Star of 'American Pickers' Frank Fritz, 60, Dies Suddenly
“American Pickers” star Frank Fritz has died at the age of 60, according to an announcement made by co-star Mike Wolfe on social media on Tuesday.
Fritz passed away Monday night
“It’s with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,” he wrote.
“I’ve [known] Frank for more then half my life and what you’ve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.”
His cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
“American Pickers” became The History Channel’s longest-running reality show as the duo scoured the country for antiques.
In a joint statement,” The History Channel and “American Pickers” producers Cineflix Production said:
“We are saddened to share that our friend and beloved member of the History Channel and American Pickers family, Frank Fritz, has passed away on September 30, 2024. Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade.”
“We will always remember ‘the bearded charmer’ and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Frank’s loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.”
Fritz’s health conditions were no secret after he broke he had suffered a stroke in 2022.
“I have been very private in the past year in regards to Frank’s life and the journey he’s been on. There has been lots of opinions in regards to mine and Frank’s friendship and the show but now is not the time to set the record straight. Now is the time to pray for my friend,” he wrote at the time.
Wolfe told the son in 2021 that he had not seen Fritz in two years.
“We all do care about Frank, and we want him back on the show. I would love to talk with him again, we would absolutely love to, but he just can’t get it right,” Wolfe told the outlet at the time.
“Frank is just going through a lot personally with addictions. It’s unfortunate that he’s made decisions that have him the way he is.”
Fritz had been fired by The History Channel after entering rehab for alcoholism.
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